April 21st 2019 – Hebrews 2:14-18

"14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 2:14-18

The second statement about Christ's death is in 14 where we are told that through death He has destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Through the death of Christ Satan is destroyed, not in the sense that he is put out of existence, but that he is robbed of his power. It means that since Calvary and Easter evil has lost the initiative in the world, and is under orders to the strong Son of God. We may use a simple illustration to make the point. When a current of normal voltage is passed through an electric bulb, it is captured, so to speak, by the filament, and held fast, and so the bulb lights up. But pass 100,000 volts through, and the filament bulb and all will be blown to smithereens. It is not nearly strong enough to hold the strength of current passed through it. In like manner, when man, in his sin, enters into death, death holds him prisoner, being too strong for him. But when Christ the mighty One passed through death, it was not possible that death should hold Him. He burst its bands and destroyed it as an effective prison house forever. In this way he is able to deliver those who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage. O let us realise to the full that the death of Christ is the opening of the prison-house for all who believe in Him, and the spoiling of the great enemy of souls!